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Pako Lesejane redefining photography

Pako Lesejane abandoned his childhood dream of becoming a pilot; rather opting to live behind the lens, taking landscape pictures with the hope of capturing emotions of many―this is a choice he stands proud of to this day.

This past week, Lesejane staged his first solo exhibition themed “Photography Redefined” at Thapong Visual Arts Centre in Gaborone. The exhibition featured 20 of his photographs that he collected over the years with some having been photographed over a decade ago.  But there is a twist, of course. Lesejane says he has prepared the 20 photographs using different techniques such as 3D hand photomontage, lift and transfer using wax paper and hand sanitizer, hand painting and glass overlay on both digital photographs and film photographs.

“I have been on several occasions asked what fine art photography is and why I took this road less travelled,” he says. According to him Fine Art Photography has grown over the years even though for many it is a headache because you don’t get the results immediately after the long process of just working on a single piece. “Sometimes one even tries using different chemicals like hand sanitizer instead of water like on a photograph titled ‘Baobab Leathery Feel’ which you will see tonight in the gallery.”

Lesejane says many photographers have taken a different route of portraiture; wedding photography, documentary and fashion as these genres are quick on cash as they need the money to get through the day as compared to what he does. The term “Fine Art Photography” actually has no universal agreed meaning or definition. The idea behind the genre underlies in the criteria that distinguishes fine art photography from other fields of photography, which are more about the recording of a subject or scene as it appears. A fine art photograph is distinguished by not recording a scene or subject exactly as it exists in realistic rendition.

Lesejane says his aim is towards producing a more personal, evocative impression. “Like in my works of fine art photography, I have photographed a subject, printed the photograph and after that using acrylic paint, water colour paint, sugar overlays and chemicals like turpentine, thinners and at some point even burning or tearing some parts of the photograph in accordance with my creative vision. So it is more about what the photographer sees than what the camera sees. A camera is basically one more tool to help create a work of art to help reveal the vision of the artist.”

On some landscapes Lesejane has used a Neutral Density Filter to slow down the exposure as well as to control highlights and direct the light in what he wanted viewers to see when they first look at the art piece. Influential American photographer, Edward Weston who lived from 1886- 1958 once said, “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.” According to Lesejane this is one more reason why he decided to go off the beaten track with photography.
“I hope you will find these techniques and skills used very interesting and as part of the new art in the world of photography here in Botswana.”

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WeekendLife

Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity

18th March 2024
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong

Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.

Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.

 

In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.

 

“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,” she said.

 

Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.

 

“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,” she stresses.

 

Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.

 

She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.”

 

Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.

 

As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.

 

“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.”

 

In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.

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WeekendLife

The narrative of joy’s true roots unfolds

18th March 2024
Happiness Research a Game Changer for the Environment

 

 

 

 

AUBREY LUTE

STAFF WRITER

 

Happiness research is proving to be a game changer for the environment, as it challenges the traditional notions of success and well-being that have led to environmental destruction. Author Jeff Golden, in his book Reclaiming the Sacred, highlights the findings that money and possessions account for only a small percentage of people’s happiness. Beyond meeting basic needs, additional money does not significantly increase happiness and can even undermine well-being by compromising relationships, leisure time, and gratitude.

 

This luminous work, crowned as the pinnacle of environmental literature by IndieReader and hailed across genres at the Nautilus Book Awards, shares prestigious laurels with luminaries such as the Dalai Lama and Brené Brown. It delves deep into the heart of happiness, revealing a threadbare connection to material wealth that has been our misdirected pursuit since the twilight of the 1940s.

 

The decline in happiness in the United States and other industrialized nations since the 1940s can be attributed to the emphasis on economic growth and consumption as measures of success. This focus has led to environmental destruction and a disconnect from the joy and wonder inherent in the world. By shifting our relationships with money and possessions, we have the opportunity to elevate our quality of life and reconnect with what truly matters.

 

One of the key insights from happiness research is that people living in serious poverty are still satisfied with their lives, while wealthy individuals often struggle to find happiness. Money does not equate to happiness, and the pursuit of wealth can actually diminish the ability to savor positive emotions and experiences. Even lottery winners find that their happiness levels return to baseline within a few months.

 

The optimal amount of work to maximize happiness is around 8 hours a week, highlighting the importance of balance and leisure time in well-being. By reevaluating our priorities and shifting away from materialism, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life.

 

Further explorations in Golden’s magnum opus present a paradox of satisfaction amidst scarcity, with a significant majority finding contentment in the face of poverty, juxtaposed against the fleeting happiness of wealth. The narrative delves into the diminishing returns of affluence on the ability to cherish life’s fleeting moments and the ephemeral nature of fortune’s favor. It posits a provocative thesis on the optimal engagement in work for harvesting happiness, challenging the sanctity of the 40-hour workweek.

 

 

Jeff Golden, with his background in sustainable development and environmental advocacy, brings a unique perspective to the discussion of happiness and its impact on the environment. Through his book Reclaiming the Sacred, he encourages readers to reconsider their relationship with money and possessions and embrace a more holistic approach to well-being.

 

The happiness research is a powerful tool for promoting environmental sustainability. By recognizing that true happiness lies beyond material wealth, we can make choices that benefit both ourselves and the planet. It is time to reclaim the sacredness of ourselves and the world around us, and create a more harmonious and fulfilling future for all.

 

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WeekendLife

LESEGO CHOMBO FOR MISS WORLD TITLE

6th March 2024

The outgoing Miss Botswana Lesego Chombo says her participation at the on-going Miss World beauty competition has grown her to be an ambassador of Botswana and the African continent at large.

Chombo has made history as the first participant from Botswana to perform exceptionally well at Miss World, with former Miss Botswana Emma Wareus being the second best after placing first runner up in 2010.

The Miss World Top 4 finalist is the first to place in all Miss World Fast Track events, and winning some in the process.

She is also the first Miss Botswana to perform at the Miss World Beauty-with-a-Purpose Gala Dinner.

Further, Chombo is the only Miss Botswana participant at the pageant to have her Beauty-with-a-Purpose project in the Top 10.

Chombo is the first Miss Botswana to place high in Talent Fast Track event.

Meanwhile, Miss World finale will be broadcasting live this Saturday on BTV and the Miss World website and YouTube.

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